A study found that hospitals performing well on publicly reported medical conditions like acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and pneumonia have lower overall mortality rates. These top performers had a 3.6% lower absolute risk-adjusted mortality rate compared to bottom quartile hospitals.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers found that winter feeding of wild blue tits resulted in smaller, lower-weight chicks with lower survival rates. This challenges the long-held assumption that providing extra food during winter benefits bird populations.
Scientists have discovered a connection between the aggressiveness of kidney cancer and changes in how tumor cells use energy from metabolic processes. The study found that certain proteins are associated with worse patient outcomes, while others may be used as therapeutic targets.
A 11-year study found significant weight loss in the intervention group, but no reduction in cardiovascular disease risks. Participants who lost more weight experienced improved health benefits such as better blood sugar control and reduced risk factors.
Researchers have successfully implemented a genetic-based fish tagging method, called parentage-based tagging (PBT), in the Snake River Basin. This non-invasive approach allows for the collection of detailed information about hatchery-reared fish, enabling more effective fisheries management and conservation efforts.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a mechanism that allows cells to read their own DNA in the correct direction and prevents most of the so-called 'junk DNA' from copying into RNA. This process helps explain the existence of many recently discovered types of short strands of RNA whose function is unknown.
The USPSTF recommends screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in persons at high risk for infection. One-time screening for all adults born between 1945 and 1965 may identify infected patients at an earlier, more treatable stage of disease.
Researchers analyzed the membrane components of V. cholera that enable it to withstand increases in osmotic pressure, revealing comparable gating and conductive properties with E. coli channels. The study found that V. cholerae was more sensitive to abrupt decreases in osmolarity than E. coli.
Researchers have explained the behavior of Saturn's giant storms for the first time, using computer models and high-resolution images from the Cassini space probe. The storms are characterized by intense winds of up to 500 km/h and a turbulent ring with an enormous surface area.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that planktonic bacteria have reduced their genomes to optimize growth and adaptability. This adaptation allows these microorganisms to efficiently utilize diverse energy sources and survive in the ocean's complex ecosystem.
The NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center satellite captured an image of the massive Jaroso fire burning in northern New Mexico. The fire, ignited by lightning on June 10, 2013, had burned through nearly 4,500 acres of conifer forests by June 24.
A new study reveals that a Pangean desert supported a unique fauna, including the giant pareiasaur Bunostegos, which sported large, bulbous skulls resembling modern giraffe horns. The discovery supports the theory of central Pangea being climatically isolated, allowing this relict fauna to evolve distinct anatomical features.
Researchers found that bacterial DNA is more likely to integrate into the human genome in tumor samples than in normal cells. The phenomenon of lateral gene transfer may play a role in cancer and other diseases linked with DNA damage.
A study identifies three advanced optical measures that predict faster age-related declines in visual acuity, including wavefront error and lens clouding. These metrics may help detect patients at risk before their vision loss occurs.
Researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology have developed a lab-on-a-chip that can detect cells with sub-cellular resolution, enabling early detection of diseases such as viruses and cancer. The device uses carbon nanotubes to measure electrical properties of cells, offering a non-invasive and quick method for disease diagnosis.
Two sounding rockets will launch 15 seconds apart in support of the Daytime Dynamo experiment, studying a global electrical current called the dynamo. The mission aims to understand how winds and charged particles affect the currents.
Research suggests that gene mutations causing cell signaling network disruptions during embryonic development can lead to subtle brain disruptions contributing to psychiatric disorders. Dact1 protein mutations in mice have been found to have structural flaws in interneurons, which regulate brain activity and cognitive processes.
Researchers found that electrical signals in the retina spiked high in response to chocolate, similar to those seen with methylphenidate, indicating increased dopamine release. This technique could be useful for studying food addiction and obesity prevention if validated through additional studies.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new method to mature human heart cells by applying electrical pulses and simulating fetal heart rates. This discovery offers a fast and reliable way to create mature human cardiac patches for various applications, including drug screening and transplantation.
A study from Cornell University found that food portion labels significantly influence how much people eat and spend. When served identical portions, individuals consumed more when labeled as 'Regular' and were willing to pay more for the same size.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic and others reveals that rural women with breast cancer are less likely to receive guideline-recommended radiation therapy after a lumpectomy. The researchers found that rural women were also more likely to choose mastectomy over lumpectomy, leading to potential gaps in care.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania psychologists reveals that early vocabulary improvement is linked to the quality of interactions, not just quantity. High-quality interactions with parents significantly predict a child's success throughout schooling.
Researchers found that brain tumor cells with intact IDH gene produce a key enzyme BCAT1, which boosts cell proliferation. Blocking BCAT1 reduced tumor aggressiveness and released neurotransmitter glutamate. The study suggests using BCAT1 as a therapeutic target for glioblastoma treatment.
A Baylor University researcher found that Israeli Jewish adults who regularly attend synagogue, pray often, and consider themselves religious are significantly healthier and happier than non-religious counterparts. Commitment to Jewish religious belief and practice is strongly associated with greater physical and psychological well-being.
Research at Princeton University found that migrating ocean animals consume vast amounts of oxygen in the ocean's 'oxygen minimum zone'. This phenomenon, known as diel vertical migration (DVM), results in oxygen depletion and can be disrupted by climate change.
Research in Finland and mice found a prenatal link between intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and increased child obesity risk. Teenagers born to mothers with the condition had altered metabolic profiles and higher BMI. A mouse model also revealed offspring were more susceptible to metabolic disease and diet-induced obesity.
A new study finds that individuals in expansive physical environments are more likely to exhibit dishonest behavior, such as stealing and cheating. The research suggests that subtle postural shifts can influence thoughts and feelings, leading to a state of power that elicits dishonest actions.
Researchers discovered that individual oligodendrocytes can coat neurons with myelin for only five hours after birth. This finding could lead to new treatment strategies for multiple sclerosis, including targeting the blockages that prevent cells from producing myelin.
A new study by UCSF researchers identified a brain pathway linked to addiction cravings and found that deactivating it could prevent relapse in rats. The study suggests that targeting the molecular pathway mediated by mTORC1 could lead to a treatment option for people with alcohol abuse disorders.
More than half of WHO FCTC signatory countries lack tobacco quit plans, with only 44% having treatment guidelines. Tobacco dependence treatment is a cost-effective way to save lives, according to expert comments.
Two studies suggest teenagers use social media to express suicidal thoughts and intentions, with 64 comments on MySpace revealing adolescents' desire to die. Researchers found that texting is the second-most common way for young adults to seek help when feeling depressed.
A new study from MIT sheds light on the nanoparticles' fate, suggesting ways to maximize delivery of short interfering RNA (siRNA) for gene silencing. The researchers found that a protein called Niemann Pick type C1 (NPC1) is crucial for nanoparticle recycling, and disabling it can increase siRNA delivery efficiency.
A rare metabolic complication during pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), is found to program babies to be overweight and more prone to type 2 diabetes in later life. The study suggests that the environment in the womb plays a major role in metabolic diseases in adults.
Researchers discovered that gut microbes in rotation-resistant Western corn rootworms facilitate their ability to feed on soybean leaves and tolerate the plant's defenses. The study found significant differences in bacterial species abundance and digestive enzyme activity between resistant and nonresistant beetles.
A study from the University of York found that antimicrobial copper touch surfaces in intensive care units reduce bioburden by >90% and associated with a 58% reduction in healthcare-associated infections. The cost-effectiveness analysis predicts rapid return on investment, saving hospitals millions over five years.
A research team at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences has developed a new genetic tool to analyze microbial life in oceans. They found that marine microbes are adapted to very narrow and specialized niches, utilizing diverse energy sources and displaying genomic streamlining.
Researchers have developed a targeted viral therapy that selectively kills breast cancer stem cells and induces apoptosis without affecting normal stem cells. The therapy, which uses the mda-7/IL-24 gene, was shown to be effective in both cell culture and animal models, with no toxic effects on healthy cells.
A study provides statistically-based guidelines for determining suitability of stem cell transplants in older patients with MDS. Reduced intensity transplants are recommended for high-risk patients, while non-transplant treatments are preferable for lower-risk patients.
Researchers found that over 200 English ICUs reduced serious bloodstream infections by more than 60% through implementing five key practices, including strict hand hygiene and full barrier protection. This achievement mirrors those made in the US state of Michigan, where a similar programme was conducted.
A study finds a link between prenatal ICP and postnatal obesity in offspring, while another investigation reveals genetic changes in preeclampsia and brain inflammation caused by chronic cannabis use. These findings may have implications for understanding and treating metabolic diseases and pregnancy complications.
Research found that breastfeeding significantly reduces chances of downward social mobility and increases odds of climbing the social ladder. Breastfed children showed improved brain development, stress levels, and intellect, which contribute to better adult outcomes.
A study found that conversations between parents and adolescents focused on weight are associated with an increased risk of unhealthy adolescent weight-control behaviors. On the other hand, mothers who engaged in healthful eating conversations were less likely to diet and use unhealthy weight-control behaviors.
A Duke University-led study reveals that homeowners within one kilometer of shale gas wells are more likely to have contaminated drinking water with methane, ethane, and propane. The research analyzed 141 drinking water samples from private wells in northeastern Pennsylvania's Marcellus shale basin.
AcademyHealth recognized Donald M. Steinwachs, Ateev Mehrotra, and Zirui Song for their significant contributions to health services research. The awards honored their scholarship, teaching, and leadership in improving healthcare effectiveness and patient outcomes.
A recent survey conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that social factors such as neighborhood bonds and social supports play a vital role in coping with disasters. The study revealed that friends, family, and neighbors were the most important sources of help before, during, and after Superstorm Sandy.
Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) are democratizing education by enabling hundreds of thousands of students to sign up for free online courses. Researchers explore the transformational effect of MOOCs on education, highlighting their potential to personalize learning and promote digital culture.
A study by the American College of Emergency Physicians found that electronic medical records (EDIS) can improve healthcare quality, but also present significant safety threats. The authors recommend seven key improvements to mitigate these risks and ensure safer EDIS implementation.
A US study found a decline in ischemic stroke mortality among Black children over the past decade. The relative risk decrease was attributed to improvements in long-term blood transfusion therapy for sickle cell disease prevention.
Scientists conducted a simulated Mars expedition in the Atacama Desert to test instruments for the 2020 mission. The dry run aimed to identify potential issues and improve performance, ensuring the success of future missions.
New research at the University of Chicago shows that non-verbal clues about words can help young children learn new vocabulary faster. The quality of these cues explains a quarter of the differences in children's vocabularies when they enter kindergarten.
Every year, around 700 women with urinary cancers are missing out on prompt diagnosis due to initial misattribution by family doctors. Women were twice as likely to have visited their GP multiple times before being referred to a specialist, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer survival rates.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that up to 83% of birds, 66% of amphibians, and 70% of corals are highly vulnerable to climate change but not currently listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List. This means they may not be receiving focused conservation attention, putting their survival at risk.
Researchers engineered dendritic cells to recognize protein fragments from cancer-specific antigens, eliciting an immune response that led to partial and complete clinical responses in patients with active disease. The study suggests a promising approach for enhancing immune recognition of melanoma cells.
A pilot study found that vitamin D supplementation significantly lowered blood pressure and improved moods in women with type 2 diabetes and symptoms of depression. Vitamin D also helped the women lose weight. The study suggests that vitamin D supplementation may be a valuable treatment option for these women.
Researchers found that open-minded people became more supportive of government intervention after viewing videos presenting both sides of the issue. Closed-minded individuals did not change their views, regardless of the messages they received. The study suggests climate change denialists may be less effective in swaying public opinion.
A study by the European Institute of Studies on Prevention found that 8.6% of people suffered sexual harassment and 1.5% experienced sex against their will during summer holidays in southern Europe. The survey, which interviewed over 6,500 young tourists, highlights the need for awareness and preventive measures to address these issues.
Researchers found that two 15-year-old constructed marshes in Ohio accumulated soil carbon at an average annual rate of 2150 pounds per acre, surpassing natural wetlands and other agricultural lands. This suggests that restored and man-made wetlands should be considered for long-term carbon storage.
A new study finds a U-shaped association between fish consumption and atrial fibrillation risk, with moderate intakes offering the greatest protection. The lowest risk was found in individuals consuming around 0.63g of marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids per day, corresponding to two servings of fatty fish per week.
Researchers at Brown University used a novel approach to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to resolve the key interaction between two proteins. The study reveals that the GroEL chaperone is a permissive captor, allowing the smaller protein to bind at two hydrophobic sites and detach, resulting in conformational heterogeneity.
A study analyzing high-cost Medicare patients' spending found that only a small percentage of their costs were related to preventable emergency department visits and hospitalizations, limiting the ability to lower costs through better outpatient care. The majority of inpatient costs were attributed to catastrophic events such as sepsis...